Anderson Cooper confronts Trump’s claims about E. Jean Carroll on-air

Donald Trump, who was found liable for sexually abusing and defaming E. Jean Carroll, made claims that Anderson Cooper had coached Carroll during a 2019 interview to accuse him of rape. Trump suggested that Cooper manipulated Carroll's responses, alleging that she initially stated he did not rape her but became hostile after a commercial break. This assertion was made during a press conference while Trump was in New York to appeal a $5 million judgment against him in a civil case. In response, Cooper addressed Trump's allegations on his show, stating that they were 'demonstrably false.' He clarified that the interview with Carroll was pre-recorded, meaning there was no live interaction during a commercial break as Trump suggested. Cooper emphasized that the entire interview was structured to fit the show's format, and there was no opportunity for him to influence Carroll's statements during a break. Cooper also pointed out that Trump had previously raised similar conspiracy theories during a deposition for the trial. He expressed frustration over Trump's repeated insinuations of manipulation, which he deemed unfounded. The journalist highlighted the absurdity of Trump's claims, noting that they lacked any basis in reality. Ultimately, Cooper's rebuttal aimed to clarify the facts surrounding the interview and to dispel the notion that he had any role in influencing Carroll's accusations against Trump. The exchange underscores the ongoing tensions between Trump and media figures, particularly in the context of serious allegations of sexual misconduct.